Best Practices to Build an Offshore Dedicated Development Team
By Space Coast Daily // July 10, 2023
In today’s highly competitive business landscape, companies are increasingly turning to offshore dedicated development teams to accelerate their software development projects and gain access to a global talent pool.
Building an offshore dedicated development team offers numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and access to specialized expertise.
Let’s explore the concept of offshore dedicated development teams, highlight the reasons why businesses should consider hiring them, outline the typical structure of such teams, and provide step-by-step guidance on how to build an offshore dedicated development team.
What is an Offshore Dedicated Software Development Team?
An offshore dedicated development team refers to a group of software developers, testers, designers, and other IT professionals who work remotely for an organization located in a different country. These teams are exclusively dedicated to the client’s project and operate as an extension of the in-house team.
The team members are hired based on their expertise and experience to fulfill specific project requirements. Offshore dedicated development teams offer flexibility, scalability, and cost advantages compared to building an in-house team.
Why Should You Consider Hiring an Offshore Dedicated Development Team?
- Cost-Effectiveness: Offshore dedicated development teams provide significant cost savings compared to hiring an in-house team. Companies can leverage talent from countries with lower labor costs while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Offshore dedicated teams can quickly scale up or down based on project needs, allowing businesses to adapt to changing requirements and market dynamics. This scalability ensures efficient resource allocation and cost optimization.
- Access to Specialized Expertise: Offshore dedicated development teams offer access to a diverse talent pool with specialized skills and experience. Companies can tap into specific expertise required for their projects without investing time and resources in training and development.
- Reduced Time to Market: Offshore teams work around the clock, enabling 24/7 development and faster time to market. This accelerated development process helps businesses gain a competitive edge by delivering products and services ahead of their competitors.
What is the Typical Structure of an Offshore Dedicated Development Team?
The structure of an offshore dedicated development team generally includes the following roles:
- Project Manager: Oversees the project, coordinates team activities, ensures timely delivery, and acts as a point of contact between the client and the offshore team.
- Software Developers: Skilled software developers who write code and implement the project requirements.
- Designers: UI/UX designers responsible for creating visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.
- Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers: Testers who ensure that the developed software meets quality standards and fulfills the project requirements.
- Support Staff: Includes technical support specialists who provide ongoing maintenance and support for the developed software.
Steps to Building an Offshore Dedicated Development Team
- Define Project Requirements: Clearly define your project requirements, including the scope, technologies, and expertise needed. This will help you identify the skill set required for each team member.
- Select an IT Staff Augmentation Company: Research and choose a reliable and experienced IT staff augmentation company that specializes in offshore dedicated development teams. Look for a company that aligns with your project requirements, has a strong track record, and offers flexible engagement models.
- Define Team Structure: Collaborate with the IT staff augmentation company to determine the required roles, responsibilities, and skill sets for each team member based on your project requirements.
- Conduct Rigorous Screening: Participate in the recruitment process to select team members who possess the necessary skills, experience, and cultural fit. Assess technical expertise through interviews, coding tests, and portfolio reviews.
- Establish Communication and Collaboration: Set up communication channels and project management tools to facilitate seamless collaboration and communication between the offshore team and the in-house team. Foster regular communication and establish clear reporting mechanisms.
- Ensure Knowledge Transfer: Provide comprehensive project documentation, conduct knowledge transfer sessions, and facilitate training and onboarding to ensure that the offshore team is well-equipped to understand and execute the project requirements effectively.
- Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Regularly monitor the progress of the offshore team, track key performance indicators, and provide timely feedback. Conduct periodic performance reviews to ensure the team’s effectiveness and address any challenges or gaps.
Wrapping Up
Building an offshore dedicated development team through an IT staff augmentation service offers businesses a strategic approach to accessing global talent, reducing costs, and accelerating software development projects. By defining project requirements, selecting a reliable IT staff augmentation company, establishing effective communication channels, and nurturing collaboration, companies can successfully build and manage offshore dedicated development teams.
Embrace the opportunities presented by offshore dedicated development teams and gain a competitive advantage in the ever-evolving digital landscape.